I so enjoy walking along Regent Road when I am going to Calton Hill. The gardens are delightful and I am able to peer through trees to Holyrood Park. You get to see so much more this time of year.
Trees really do provide the “bones of the city” and even the burls are intriguing.
The early Spring blooms were evident on this walk and I was even graced with the presence of a robin. I thought they were shy creatures but not this one!
As I climbed the stairs to the hill, I always look behind me. It is a lovely cityscape.
It was a strange morning as the sky seemed to have a life of its own. I have never lived anywhere else like Scotland where the sky is so dramatic; as it can change the mood of a place within seconds. This morning’s walk was a great example of that. Each photo I took felt like it was taken on different days.
Calton hill never disappoints with its amazing city views. I personally love to walk/climb the hill at sunrise; It is invigorating.
Up early on a November Saturday morning with a friend to explore Dunbar. That’s right Dunbar. I had not appreciated the drive from Edinburgh before. It was so picturesque even for a November morning. Enroute, we saw Tantallon Castle in the distance and decided to stop 😆 We were living large 😆
We were really lucky; we were the first visitors of the day and had the grounds to ourselves. Perfect.
Tantallon Castle
The castle was more impressive than I had imagined it. It was in a commanding position. The waves added to the drama of the location. It was stunning with its raw simplicity.
The Castle dates back to the 1300s. The outer wall was surrounded by an expansive area of grass; a service area where supplies were brought into the castle. Under the morning light and with the sound of the waves, it felt like s a place for quiet contemplation. Although there were several storyboards sharing the history of the castle, I did a quick search to learn more. I found an excellent write-up on the undiscovered Scotland site.
Due to all the rain, we have had, entrance into the castle structure was not allowed. As a result, we had to admire it from a distance. On this morning, the waves were high and the force as they hit the banks was quite extraordinary. It is a wonder how any of the castle structures were still standing.
It was so good to breathe the morning air.
The view of Bass rock was a wonderful sight. I wished I could have done a better job in capturing what I was seeing but hopefully I have captured its essence. It was a great start to the day.
Bass Rock
Drifter Coffee House
After our stroll around the castle, my friend suggested breakfast at the Drift Coffeehouse. What a great suggestion that was! Great service, good food and panoramic views in a unique setting.
Dunbar Harbour
We finally made it to Dunbar and the first stop was the harbour.
The wind made its presence known. There was no doubt what time of year it was. November! At the same time, we were on the coast so it was to be expected. We were well-wrapped. We chose a small alley to get to the water.
When we arrived I was surprised by what I saw. It was so quiet and so few boats. It is usually a hive of activity but not on this day. I had not seen the harbour so inactive before. It had a very different feel.
Boats and people were few but the waves were plentiful! We had a quick look at the memorial and took in the view of what was left of Dunbar castle, then made our way to the beach.
John Muir Country Park & and Dunbar beach
I had a “thing” about seeing Dunbar beach mainly because I have not been there before and secondly a friend told me that sometimes they train horses at that location. I have had an itch to go there ever since. We drove to the John Muir Country Park as the locals advised that it was a nice walk and had good access to the beach.
We were taken by the open landscape and the share size of the beach. The tide was low which added to the sense of scale.
Of course, we had to see Belhaven Bridge, sometimes called “The Bridge To Nowhere”. As the tide was low, it did not have the same impact or effect but it was good to see nonetheless.
We both agreed we need to return in the Spring or Summer. After all, it would be nice to see horses 😆
Another grey day on the Isle of Lewis but that was to be expected. It was October after all. We were making our way to the infamous Blackhouse village.
The Gearranan Blackhouse Village is a coastal crofting village located in a secluded bay within the district of Carloway, on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis.
Isle of Lewis with the location of Blackhouse Village
Today the village is designated for a variety of self-catering vacation cottages.
The local community trust Urras nan Gearrannan Hu (the Garenin Trust) has carefully restored these once derelict properties to recreate an authentic blackhouse village. It feels like stepping back in time but with the local resident sheep on guard 😆
Traditional methods have been used to recreate the drystone masonry and thatched roofing of the original croft cottages.
Another overcast day and another adventure on the Isle of Lewis.
Our next stop was the ruins of Dun Carloway. We were heading to see a historic roundhouse known as a broch.
As we got closer we could see the structure in the distance. It looked like a stone beehive. As we did the climb towards the ruins, l looked up information about this broch. I found the following on the Visit Scotland site:
At Dun Carloway, we can get an excellent cross-section of a broch – a type of structure found only in Scotland. At 9m tall it still stands close to its impressive full height. The broch was probably constructed about 200 BC. Broch-building ceased around AD 100, but they may have continued in use. Evidence from excavations suggests Dun Carloway may have been used until about AD 1000. It’s also said to have been used as a stronghold by members of the Morrison Clan during the 1500s.
Visit Scotland
I had no idea that these were that old, tracing back to 200BC. It is truly amazing.
Storyboard about Brochs
I was quite taken aback by the size. I wondered about the challenge of building it. There were a lot of stones in this structure and it was built on quite a hill. It was extraordinary.
We ventured inside to get a better feel of the place. It was very windy but once inside there was a sense of calm. The difference was striking. I could see for miles. I was left in wonder about what life would have been like living there.
Have you been to the Museum of Edinburgh? If you have not had a chance yet, I recommend a visit.
Museum of Edinburgh on Canongate
You cannot miss it with its yellow and red façade located on Canongate (The Royal Mile) in Old Town, Edinburgh. The city’s historic treasures of yesteryear are housed in this iconic building, the Huntly House.
The Building Exterior
So even before perusing the city’s historic artifacts inside, the building and grounds are worth exploring. It is a true wonder. I love historic architecture and the museum of Edinburgh definitely delivers. As a result, this post is dedicated to the building. The treasures inside the museum will be described in a separate post.
The Museum building, also known as the Huntly House, is a typical 16th-century built Canongate house. At first glance, you may think that the museum is only the yellow and red plastered building on the Mile, when in fact it is a consolidation of three. An interesting overview of the history is described below.
Huntly House, one of the best old buildings in the Old Town, is a group of 16th and 17th century dwellings, rising to three storeys, surrounding an internal courtyard. Huntly House was built or remodelled in 1570 for the Achesons, and was used by the Gordon Earls and Marquises of Huntly, and later became the headquarters of the Incorporation of Hammermen (metalworkers), who had the architect Robert Mylne extend their building. The building was later divided and in 1851 where 323 tenants were listed as living here. The property went to the City of Edinburgh in 1924, and the building is now the Museum of Edinburgh
The Castles of Scotland
Old Postcard of Huntly House (source: Castles of Scotland)
Such rich history. I am glad that the city saved, restored and repurposed this wonderful structure. I was fascinated by the above old photo I found. I found several other old photos on the Canmore site.
East Entrance
If you do visit, do take the time to walk around the outside including walking down Bakehouse Close which is located west of the building.
Walking Bakehouse Close
As I walked the Close I certainly got a better feel for its size and structure. The museum was more like a series of inter-connected buildings forming a complex, which explains the “maze” inside. The courtyard was also quite delightful.
The Courtyard
The Building Interior
Upon entering the museum, you are thrown into a historic maze. You cannot help but be intrigued.
You can easily spend alot of time just figuring out the building layout. While exploring, remember to look up. The beams are amazing.
Carved Beams
Apparently, the beams were taken from Pinkie House in Musselburgh, and the wood panelling in the museum is from several old houses from the Canongate area.
The moulded fireplaces and doors were also extraordinary.
Interior door/gate
These too have been salvaged from other Edinburgh townhouses of the same period. How wonderful that they have been saved and displayed in this manner.
Fireplace
The windows are also well restored.
Many are 12-pane glazing timber sash windows with great views of the Royal Mile.
The entire building, inside and out, is a total treasure.
When in Edinburgh, how often do you stroll in Dean Village?
It’s my quick escape; well that and walking along the Water of Leith Walkway. I always enjoy walking along the river, especially from Stockbridge to the Village. It is so therapeutic.
The Water of Leith Walkway Stockbridge entrance
When you enter the Walkway from Stockbridge, there is a lovely seating area. I can never turn down its invitation to sit and take in the sounds of the river. It is my coffee break stop.
The path continues to Dean Bridge. Regardless of the month or season, it is always green.
As you approach the old mill, you come across a series of brooks.
